Giovanni Molinari

Aquaculture Extension Associate
Giovanni Molinari smiling.

Biography

I am responsible for the design, construction, and management of the wet labs and fish systems in the MNSG Aquaculture Lab. I will work closely with other Minnesota Sea Grant staff, U of M extension educators, and Sea Grant extension educators to provide outreach and improve aquaculture production across Minnesota and the Great Lakes region. 

My research interests focus on larval culture, recirculating aquaculture systems, and improving sustainable production of bait and food fish. 

Education & Certification

Ph.D. - Zoology
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

M.S. - Zoology
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

B.S. - Fisheries and Wildlife
Michigan State University

Outreach Projects

Minnesota Sea Grant Aquaculture Lab

MNSG Aquaculture Lab

The MNSG Aquaculture Lab is a training, demonstration and research facility on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus to introduce interested students and potential farmers to different concepts of aquaculture.

Upcoming Events

Gentle ripples on the surface of blue Lake Superior. Credit: A. Shie/MNSG.

2026 Wonderful Water Day at the Minnesota State Fair

A close-up of a person's hands gently cradling a small, vibrant green and yellow fish. The fish has dark vertical bars along its side and a slightly open mouth. The person's wet hands are positioned to support the fish's body, with the background showing a blurred, dark indoor environment.

Aquaculture Leadership Academy Session 1

A close-up of a person's hands gently cradling a small, vibrant green and yellow fish. The fish has dark vertical bars along its side and a slightly open mouth. The person's wet hands are positioned to support the fish's body, with the background showing a blurred, dark indoor environment.

Aquaculture Leadership Academy Session 2

News Releases

Juvenile golden shiners swim in a clear plastic aquarium with gravel, artificial plants, tubing, and an air stone. Longer option: Juvenile golden shiners swim near the surface of a clear plastic aquarium with gravel, artificial plants, tubing, and an air stone visible inside.

Minnesota student teams win top honors in 2026 Aquaculture Challenge

Duluth and Rochester schools earned grand-prize honors in the 2026 Aquaculture Challenge.

Golden Shiner fish inside a large beaker. Credit: C. Dettmann/MNSG.

Closed: [Student Job Opportunity: Aquaculture Lab Intern]

Minnesota Sea Grant is seeking 1-2 Aquaculture Lab Interns, who will support Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) staff in implementing MNSG’s Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture program and focus area.

Golden Shiner fish inside a large beaker. Credit: C. Dettmann/MNSG.

Minnesota and Texas Host National Aquaculture Leadership Academy

From the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, Minnesota and Texas Sea Grant programs are uniting for the 2026-2027 Aquaculture Leadership Academy to train the next generation of industry experts in the f